Mayan Temples is an album by the American composer, bandleader and keyboardist Sun Ra, recorded in 1990. Released on the Black Saint label, it was Sun Ra's final studio recording as a leader.

Critical reception

The Omaha World-Herald wrote that the album moves "through swing and be-bop band re-creations, African rhythm workouts and outer-space weirdness."

Mayan Temples (album)

The AllMusic review by Scott Yanow stated: "One of the finest Sun Ra recordings from his final years, this effort is particularly recommended due to the many Ra keyboard solos and John Gilmore features... Overall, this is a fine all-around studio set."

Mayan Temples (album)

Track listing

All compositions by Sun Ra except as indicated

"Dance of the Language Barrier" – 3:58

"Bygone" – 5:15

"Disciple No. 1" – 4:57

"Alone Together" (Howard Dietz, Arthur Schwartz) – 7:02

"Prelude to Stargazers" – 5:17

"Mayan Temples" – 7:40

"I'll Never Be The Same" (Gus Kahn, Matty Malneck, Frank Signorelli) – 4:57

"Stardust from Tomorrow" – 3:38

"El Is a Sound of Joy" – 5:26

"Time After Time" (Sammy Cahn, Jule Styne) – 4:21

"Opus in Springtime" – 6:41

"Theme of the Stargazers" – 14:09

"Sunset on the Nile" – 5:42

Recorded at Mondial Sound, Milano, Italy on July 24 & 25, 1990.

Mayan Temples (album)

Personnel

Sun Ra – piano, synthesizer

Michael Ray, Ahmed Abdullah – trumpet, vocals

Tyrone Hill – trombone

Marshall Allen – alto saxophone, flute

Noel Scott – alto saxophone

John Gilmore – tenor saxophone, timbales

James Jacson – bassoon, Ancient Egyptian Infinity Drum

Ronald Wilson – tenor saxophone

Carl LeBlanc – electric guitar

Jothan Callins – bass, electric bass

Clifford Barbaro, Earl "Buster" Smith – drums

Ron McBee – congas, percussion

Jorge Silva – percussion

Elson Nascimento – surdo, percussion

June Tyson – vocals

References

Sun Ra albums

1990 albums

Black Saint/Soul Note albums